As the summer winds down, the finale of the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) will feature the 11U and 13U age groups competing for the NTIS Champions Cup. This week, at the 11U age group, Midwest Stars coach Derek Simmons and his son, Braxton Simmons, will compete together.
Heading into this week, the Midwest is currently set for a podium finish in second place behind the Southwest region, which looks to win its sixth consecutive NTIS Champions Cup.
Coach Simmons has prior experience with USA Baseball in 2023 and 2024, serving as an assistant coach on the 15U National Team. Helping lead the 15U National Team as an assistant coach, Simmons amassed a record of 10-0 during the two years of the International Friendship Series he coached in, keeping a gold standard.
“It was unimaginable,” said Simmons. “The whole process of going through Champs NC and Champs AZ, to trials, and picking the right twenty for that team, it was an experience that I’ll never forget.”
Along with his 15U National Team experiences, Simmons has collected an impressive amount of collegiate coaching experience. Serving this past year at Duke, Simmons was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Blue Devils. On June 15, 2025, Simmons took a new position at the University of Virginia as a recruiting coordinator and infielders coach, following former Duke Head Coach Chris Pollard.
“I’m a well-traveled man, but it’s been a fun journey. I've been around some great coaches, some great players as well,” explained Simmons.
Coaching at NTIS has a different feel to it – representing your region and competing for the NTIS Champions Cup is an honor to partake in. There is always excitement brewing around the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., to see who the best of the best is, and Simmons' mindset is no different.
“I started here at this event at the older age groups, and it’s cool that everything now is circling back around,” said Simmons.
Getting his start in the USA Baseball Pipeline at just 11 years of age and looking to perform well in front of the NTIS Task Force, his son Braxton has the opportunity of a lifetime. Simmons was blown away to get the news that his son is participating and looks forward to a valuable week.
“This is something that selfishly, as a father that I wanted for him, but more importantly, he [Braxton] wants for himself,” explained Simmons. “I’m just going to let him go out there and have fun and play as all kids should and look forward to him having an awesome week.”
Having been through the NTIS experience as a coach, Simmons has learned valuable insights to help Braxton throughout this week.
“I would say play hard, play fast, you know, have fun and enjoy this because it really is a great experience.”
Over the years, Simmons has collected unique perspectives with the Tournament of Stars, the 15 National Team experience, and this year's NTIS as a father and coach. Simmons has had special journeys himself with USA Baseball.
“USA Baseball is very special to me,” exclaimed Simmons. “It's why I keep coming back, hopefully I’m able to keep coming back because this is a really special group of people and it’s a really special brand. It’s the best baseball brand in the world.”
Watching on from the dugout, it’s more than just being dad this weekend for Simmons; it’s about teaching his son the ways to go about the game. Making a valuable memory along the way with his son on the greatest show on dirt.
